I’ve administered a sedative to help her rest."the psychologist continued

I listened in silence, my face turning grim. "I understand."

The psychologist hesitated before continuing, her tone more serious. "Mr. Blackwood, I need to emphasize how critical her state is.

Miss Summer had been showing significant improvement not long ago, but over the past two days, there’s been a sharp decline. If this continues, she may spiral into severe depression, and that will be far more difficult to treat."

"Mm," I nodded faintly.

Lilian’s condition had deteriorated ever since she found out about my marriage.

I walked quietly into her room and stopped beside her bed. Seeing her pale, fragile face, a heavy wave of guilt settled in my chest.

She used to be so vibrant—full of life and laughter. But now... because of me, she was trapped in a dark abyss of psychological torment. Her personality had changed completely, and she had already attempted suicide more than once.

I couldn’t fail her. Not again.

I lowered myself into the chair beside her bed, watching over her in silence.

Time passed—how much, I couldn’t tell.

Eventually, Lilian stirred, her lashes fluttering as she slowly opened her eyes. Her voice was soft, still thick with sleep.

"Alexander...? Is that really you? Or am I dreaming? Why are you here?"

"It’s me, Lilian," I replied gently, offering her a small smile. "I came to see you."

She lifted her head slightly, her expression softening, a faint light returning to her eyes.

"Alexander... will you take me to that new Italian restaurant this evening?"

There was a brief pause.

"Okay," I said.

Alicia’s POV

Sophie sat inside the café, waving at me through the glass the moment she spotted me.

I pushed the door open and walked in. As soon as I reached her table, she slid a cup toward me.

"I already ordered for you. It’s still hot—cappuccino."

"Thanks," I said, taking the cup and settling onto the high stool beside her. I took a small sip through the straw, letting the warmth settle in.

"So," Sophie leaned forward slightly, "are we heading to the third floor or the fourth?"

Both floors were filled with clothing stores.

"Let’s go to the third," I replied casually, stirring my drink. "By the way... what has Sandra been up to lately?"

Sophie immediately burst into laughter.

"Don’t even get me started! She’s been working overtime like crazy these days. Apparently, she’s handling more than just our project." She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "And the funniest part? She’s been complaining non-stop about Lilian’s team."

I raised a brow, amused. "Oh?"

"You won’t believe the things they’re asking for! ’Her chest is too small, it’s not good. Even her earlobes need adjustment!’" Sophie mimicked dramatically. "They even said her earlobes should be round and slightly droopy because it supposedly brings good fortune. Sandra is on the verge of collapsing from stress!"

I couldn’t help but laugh.

"I’m serious!" Sophie insisted, though she was grinning. "Poor Sandra. But honestly... Lilian really is lacking in that department."

Her eyes suddenly flicked toward me, a teasing smile forming.

"Unlike you, Alicia. Your future kids are going to be very well provided for."

I nearly choked on my drink. "Sophie!"

"What? I’m just stating facts!" she teased. "Come on, tell me your secret. How did yours get so... impressive?"

"Not something I plan to share publicly," I muttered, turning my face away as my cheeks burned.

Truth be told, I hadn’t always been like this. Before marriage, there wasn’t much to speak of... but over time, things had gradually changed.

Once we finished our drinks, we left the café together, fingers loosely intertwined as we stepped onto the escalator, heading up to the third floor.